The doorway is large, with stone steps and porch--the doorway of a gentleman's house.

There is business close at hand--shops and inns, and all the usual offices of a town--but, though in the midst, this house wears an air of separation from the rest of the street.
When it was built--say fifty years ago, or more--it was, in fact, the dwelling-house of an independent gentleman.

Similar houses may be found in other parts of the place, once inhabited by retired and wealthy people.
Such persons no longer live in towns of this kind--they build villas with lawns and pleasure grounds outside in the environs, or, though still retaining their pecuniary interest, reside at a distance.

Like large cities, country towns are now almost given over to offices, shops, workshops, and hotels.

Those who have made money get away from the streets as quickly as possible.